Unlike live poker, online game formats offer a wide variety of game options and tournament types. In addition, a large player pool means players can find games of any stakes. Despite this, not all formats are equally profitable for players. The profitability of a poker format depends on a number of factors, including player skill level, the size of the poker room, and how much the site charges for rake.
Most if not all serious online poker players use some form of poker tracking software, often with HUDs. These tools log every hand you play into a database, giving you the ability to replay hands, run almost any report you can imagine, and identify leaks in your game. These tools give you a huge edge over your opponents and are essential for anyone serious about winning online poker.
The most popular poker sites have a full range of games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Stud. Most sites also have a few more esoteric game variations such as Razz, Draw and Badugi. However, it’s not uncommon to only find a few of these games active at any one time.
While regulated US multi-state poker looks like it’s finally on the way, a lot has happened to push it back. The first two states to legalize regulated online poker were Nevada and Delaware, and when New Jersey joined they created an interstate gaming compact (MSIGA).
This allowed them to combine their regulated online poker player pools, which boosted liquidity for both sides and gave operators more opportunities to host big-ticket poker tournaments. The same concept was set to roll out in other states, but the DOJ’s attempted application of the Wire Act pushed it off the path for now.
Until now, a multi-state poker compact has been impossible to implement in the United States due to the DOJ’s attempts to apply the Wire Act to the industry. However, it appears that this issue may be resolved, as Michigan and Pennsylvania recently passed legislation allowing them to join the MSIGA.
With their larger populations, both should be able to support a full regulated multi-state poker network, boosting the overall market. This would be a good thing for everyone involved, particularly players who enjoy playing in a multi-state environment.
Currently, there are five regulated online poker sites in the United States. These include New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. While a handful of other states have legalized poker, they have not yet launched sites due to their smaller populations. With Michigan’s entrance into the MSIGA, these other states will likely follow suit in 2022 and open their online poker rooms to a broader player base. This will be a positive development for the entire industry and will make it easier for Massachusetts to get into the game. This is especially true if the state partners with BetMGM and Borgata, who are both companion poker sites for MGM Resorts International. This will help to create a strong poker network with a large player pool and high-quality gameplay.